Pinched Nerve Specialist

Radiculopathy is pain in the distribution specific to a course of a nerve or nerves. Radiculopathy typically manifests as pain radiating down the arm if the problem is in the cervical spine or leg if the problem is in the lumbar spine. Occasionally, pain can radiate around the rib cage or torso if the thoracic spine is the source.

What’s a pinched nerve (also known as radiculopathy)?

Your nerves extend out from your brain and your spinal cord. They deliver crucial messages through your body. If a nerve suffers pressure, it gets compressed, and your body sends warning signals in the form of pain.

A pinched nerve can be mild or severe, and the pain can vary. There are some cases where the damage from a pinched nerve is irreversible. Sometimes a pinched nerve can be caused by a herniated disk, a disk that has weakened and torn and put pressure on the nerve.

Nerve compression of your neck is severe since it can lead to a range of medical conditions and cause widespread pain affecting your:

•Hands

•Wrists

•Elbows

•Fingers

What causes a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve occurs when there is pressure placed on a nerve, typically as the result of repetitive motions. Sometimes it can happen from a constant pressure on a specific area, such as remaining in a stagnant position for a long time, for example, while sleeping.

Nerves are especially vulnerable to pressure where they travel through small, narrow spaces, such as your spinal canal.

What are the treatments for a pinched nerve?

The treatment for a pinched nerve varies depending on the severity of the nerve compression and the cause.

Sometimes, rest and time can adequately repair a pinched nerve, but in some cases, you may need more involved medical treatment to shrink any swollen tissue around the pinched nerve. Treatments aim to reduce pain and swelling and include:

•Surgery

•Steroid injections

•Physical therapy and rehabilitative exercise

•A splint to restrict motion and offer structural support

•Anti-inflammatory, painkiller, or corticosteroid oral medications

A pinched nerve can occur in many different places on your body, for example, a pinched nerve in your wrist could lead to carpal tunnel syndrome and numbness in your fingers and hands.

More severe cases might involve a surgery to remove any scar tissue, disk, or bone fragments that are pressing against the nerve.

Symptoms:

•Pain in the leg or arm in a specific nerve distribution

•For example, S1 radiculopathy would affect the distribution of the S1 nerve which travels from the buttock down the back of the thigh and leg to the sole of the foot.

Treatment:

•Medication can help control pain

•Physical therapy can help strengthen musculature surrounding the spine and improve stability

•Injections can help decrease inflammatory response and pain

•Surgical treatment may be recommended based on the reason for the symptoms

If your nerve suffers pressure, intense pain can radiate through that area. Dr. Edward Nomoto expertly treats patients who have endured a pinched nerve from a variety of causes. Visit one of his two Southern California locations — the Beverly Hills Spine Surgery and St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica — to relieve the pressure and find out more information about how Dr. Nomoto can help you. Call for an appointment or book online.

Dr. Nomoto can help you to decide the best course of treatment to relieve the pressure on your pinched nerve. Call or book an appointment online to find out more.